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Gaza Residents Turn Worn-Out Walls into Artistic Paintings to Celebrate Ramadan

Residents of Tal al-Zaytoun, one of the oldest Palestinian neighborhoods in the east of Gaza City, have found a creative way to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. They have turned the worn-out walls of their buildings into artistic paintings that are filled with joy and pleasure, in order to bring happiness to the residents and change the behavior of their children, who have long suffered from the scenes of destruction and siege.

The initiative started with artist Mohamed Al-Saidi, who began by decorating his own house for Ramadan. When his neighbors admired the decorations, he decided to expand the project and decorate the entire lane, painting fifty houses in total. He then presented the idea to the municipality of Gaza, which provided everything necessary to successfully complete the project.

According to Al-Saidi, his message to every Palestinian citizen is that beauty can be created from things that we think have no value. The neighborhood’s beauty is the result of recycling ancient things that were put aside, such as car tires used for agriculture and some old wood. He believes that creativity can be achieved with minimal capabilities.

The murals in Tal al-Zaytoun carry various connotations and meanings. Some indicate the celebration of Ramadan, while others feature prayers, the word “Allah,” and the name of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. There is also a mural of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as murals of roses and landscapes.

Al-Saidi hopes that this colored neighborhood model will be repeated in all Palestinian territories in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and all occupied territories. He believes that protecting the environment and spreading beauty should become a national duty.

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Taiwan’s Rice Culture Lives On Through History and Innovation

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Rice is more than just a staple food in Taiwan—it is a deeply embedded part of the island’s culture, history, and identity. From lush terraced paddies in the east to flat fields in the western plains, rice has shaped the landscape and the lives of generations of Taiwanese people. Especially in eastern Taiwan once you see the high mountains you will start to realize even in a limited space Taiwanese farmers are growing their rice with modern techniques.

Comprising primarily Hualien and Taitung counties, this region is home to some of Taiwan’s most scenic rice paddies and innovative agricultural communities. Unlike the highly mechanized farming in the west, rice cultivation in eastern Taiwan is marked by ecological awareness, cultural diversity, and small-scale sustainable practices.

 

Historical Roots of Rice Cultivation in Taiwan

The history of rice farming in Taiwan dates back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that rice was cultivated in Taiwan as early as 4,000 years ago by the indigenous peoples, who practiced slash-and-burn agriculture and used rice as a primary crop. However, rice farming became more systematized and widespread during the Han Chinese migration in the 17th century, particularly after the arrival of settlers from Fujian and Guangdong provinces.

Under the rule of the Qing Dynasty (1683–1895), Taiwan’s rice industry expanded significantly. Later, during the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), rice production was modernized. The Japanese introduced irrigation systems, fertilizers, and high-yield rice strains, transforming Taiwan into a major rice exporter.

In Taiwan, rice is not merely food—it is a symbol of cultural heritage. It features prominently in idioms, rituals, and traditional wisdom. The Taiwanese phrase “吃飯了嗎?” (Have you eaten rice?) is a common way of asking “How are you?”—a reflection of rice’s central place in daily life. Rice farmer from Hualien’s Fuli township Mr. Chen says, “Local farmers are doing their best to grow sustainable rice for customers which they use modern machinery and tracking system of production.” Another person is Ms. Wen from rice factory mentions about their new machinery will allow them to cut expenses and produce more rice for Taiwan market which is around 1.46 million metric tons of paddy rice according to  Statista.

Today, rice farming in Taiwan faces both challenges and innovation. Urbanization, aging rural populations, and changing consumer preferences have led to a decline in the number of full-time rice farmers. However, the government and local cooperatives have introduced measures to revitalize the industry.

Rice culture in Taiwan is a rich tapestry of history, spirituality, cuisine, and innovation. Though rooted in ancient traditions, it continues to evolve in harmony with modern technology and environmental consciousness. As Taiwan moves forward, rice remains a vital symbol of resilience and unity, feeding not only the body but also the spirit of the nation.

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